Our Stories
Discover the stories behind our staff at University Hospitals Plymouth
Al, Domestic services
When asked about what his favourite part of his job is, Al answered: “The people. I get to really know patients and have meaningful conversations with them. I never pry, but conversation often flows naturally and I feel accomplished when I can make them smile and make their days a bit lighter.”
Al would like to qualify as a clinical member of staff in the future.
Midwife HCA
I am a 17 year old apprentice as an HCA on maternity and have loved every second of experiencing a world outside of my A-Levels. My apprenticeship started at 16 and not only do I now have lots of experience, qualifications and knowledge but this is a fantastic stepping stone for my future in midwifery.
Caroline, head of nursing
Watch our three minute video as Caroline describes why she chose to work at University Hospitals Plymouth
Project Implementation Assistant
I left the RN Submarine Service in 2007 as a Chief Petty Officer. I joined the NHS as a porter in Imaging in 2008 as I felt I had done my time managing and wanted a job where I didn't have to think too hard and I got lots of exercise! However, people realise that you have a lot of personal resources, gathered while serving and you soon find yourself moving up to supervisory positions. The skills I developed in the RN stood me in good stead when I applied to work for I.T specifically for the Digital Transformation Team. Communicating, teaching and public speaking are just a few of the skills I use on a day to day basis, which were honed in the RN. With our EPR (Electronic Patient Record) on the horizon, the experiences I had during in my time in the forces will be put to good use when the implementation finally happens.
Josie, Bed Manager
I started my journey with Site Services as a band 3 Domestic Supervisor in 2018 transferring to the Portering team as Portering Team Leader in 2021, where I gained my care certificate and started my managers passport which gave me the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge, through training courses such as manual handling, medical gases, and bloods. The experience and knowledge I have gained from working within site services has helped me progress to my current job role as a band 4 Bed Manager within the command centre of the hospital.
Preceptee Midwife
I am originally from Plymouth. I did my A-Levels at school, and I went straight to UWE Bristol where I trained at the Royal United Hospitals Bath. Moving away from Plymouth for three years made me appreciate Devon's natural beauty; Moorland and Beaches. Coming back to Plymouth starting my preceptorship at UHP has shaped me into becoming the newly qualified midwife I am today. The preceptorship programme is supportive and robust. The practice development team have worked closely me ensuring I feel safe. The transition from student to NQM (newly qualified midwife) went smoothly and was less daunting (particularly coming from an external Trust). Work life balance has been extremely important to me, starting my midwifery career. I would recommend UHP (University Hospitals Plymouth) to anyone, especially a NQM wanting to take a new challenge whilst being supported by our UHP family.
Francesca, junior sister
Watch our two minute video as Francesca describes why she joined University Hospitals Plymouth
Mark, Clinical Apprenticeship, Clinical Skills and Support Worker Development Educator
My background has been within the NHS since 2009, I started as a Health Care Assistant working in areas such as Renal Dialysis, Cardiothoracic and Emergency Department.
I then in 2014, attended University to study as a Paramedic Practitioner. I worked with the ambulance service until 2021 in a frontline role. I decided to became part of the Clinical Education Team in the latter part of 2021 because I wanted to share my knowledge and skills with others.
I enjoy this role greatly, as I feel my career within the NHS developed as it has, from my initial time as a health care assistant. I am passionate about supporting and guiding new members to the NHS and helping them develop and progress through their careers.
Working within the Education Team is both hard work and rewarding. We support all staff to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours that support their own development. The most rewarding part of our role is seeing staff spread their wings and fly, achieving their goals and helping them to reach their full potential.
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